THOMASVILLE — City police will be out in force the first day of school Monday and on the lookout for traditional types of traffic offenses, primarily speeders in school zones.

The focus, however, will be on distracted drivers, specifically those using hand-held cell phones while driving, in violation of a law that became effective July 1.

Using a hand-held cell phone in a school zone could distract a driver, resulting in a major traffic crash, said Maj. Wade Glover, Thomasville Police Department public information officer. Many pedestrians will be in school zones, he said.

“We will beef up our patrols on distracted driving,” Glover said. “We have zero tolerance for our school zones and will carefully monitor every school zone.”

He said distracted driving is the leading cause of traffic crashes.

Glover pointed out that the speed limit in school zones is 25 miles per hour from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and that 90 percent of school zone violators are speeders.

The officer said police are aware that the first day of school — even the first week of school — results in more traffic as parents take their children to school during the first days.

Police will help get students to school safely and their parents to work on time, Glover said.

School resource officers will help students get safely into school buildings.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820